Drivers across the United States are being reminded to keep safety top of mind when traveling through work zones.
The message has been issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) during National Work Zone Awareness Week to remind drivers that, despite a global public health emergency, construction is moving forward on America’s roads.
In 2018, the most recent year for which data is available, 754 people died in highway work-zone crashes.
“Everyone has a role to play when it comes to the safety of highway workers on our roads, so please remember to always stay focused, follow posted speed limits, and drive with care and caution through work zones,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
Though highway workers are often among the victims of work zone crashes, the dangers of reckless driving more often affect those behind the wheel and their passengers. Four out of five work zone fatalities were drivers or passengers, according to FHWA data. Generally, crashes occur when drivers speed through a work zone or do not pay attention to the changing road conditions and drive off the road, or run into other vehicles, highway equipment or safety barriers.
“While we all continue to do our part by staying home to protect communities from the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to remember that highway construction crews are still hard at work on projects to maintain our roads and bridges,” said Federal Highway Administrator Nicole R. Nason. “If you have to go out, please drive carefully through work zones so we can keep highway workers as well as first responders safe.”
